COVID-19: UK records 24,470 new coronavirus cases and 65 more deaths

Watch: UK records 24,470 new coronavirus cases and 65 more deaths

The UK has reported 24,470 new COVID-19 cases and 65 more deaths in the latest 24-hour period.

Some 26,144 coronavirus infections and 71 fatalities were announced yesterday, while 29,173 cases and 20 deaths were reported this time last week.

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Meanwhile, 38,858 people received their first dose of a COVID vaccine yesterday, taking the overall total to 46,851,145 or more than 88% of adults.

And 212,159 had their second jab, meaning 38,345,841 - or 72% of adults - are now fully inoculated.

In total, more than 85 million vaccine doses have been given in the UK.

The latest data from Public Health England and Cambridge University shows that around 60,000 deaths, 22 million infections and 52,600 hospitalisations have been prevented by vaccines up to 23 July.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "In under eight months, health services across the UK have delivered more than 85 million doses - this is a phenomenal achievement. It has shown Britain at its best."

It comes as it was revealed that discounted meals and cheaper cab rides will be offered to young people who get a COVID-19 jab, as part of a government-led attempt to boost the uptake of vaccines.

Uber, Bolt, Deliveroo and Pizza Pilgrims are among the brands that will offer incentives to encourage young people to get vaccinated.

Almost three million under-30s are yet to receive a first vaccine dose.

Watch: Can pop-up vaccination clinics raise take up?

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is facing a renewed backlash within his own party over the "threat" of domestic vaccine passports, with demands for MPs to be recalled from their holidays to debate the proposal.

Andrew Bridgen, one of 43 Conservative MPs to sign a declaration opposing vaccine passports, said Parliament should be recalled from its summer recess if ministers are "serious" about asking people to show proof of their vaccine status to gain entry to domestic venues and events.

The call means cross-party backing is emerging for the Commons to return before September.

Last week, the Liberal Democrats said a change rolled out to the NHS app, allowing users to prove they had been double-jabbed to access domestic settings - as well as for international travel - warranted a recall.

The prime minister has announced that he intends to change the rules in September so that only those who are fully vaccinated can attend nightclubs, in a move designed to increase the take-up of vaccination among young people.

The nightclub stipulations would be stricter than the coronavirus status certificates used at some mass events in recent months, with clubbers not allowed to use proof of a negative COVID-19 test or evidence of having had the virus to gain entry.

Watch: Are COVID vaccines working as expected?